Plizio Visual Lab

Meteora

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Meteora literally means "suspended in the air." The region comprises massive sandstone pillars reaching heights of up to 400 meters, shaped by erosion over millions of years. On these seemingly inaccessible summits, hermits from the 11th century and later monks from the 14th century built a total of 24 monasteries. Today, six remain active and open to the public: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Rousanou, St. Nicholas Anapafsas, Holy Trinity, and St. Stephen. In the past, access was achieved with great difficulty via rope ladders or nets pulled up by winches. Today, stone-cut stairs and bridges lead to the buildings. The Great Meteoron (Metamorphosis) is the largest and oldest; it houses precious icons, manuscripts, and a church adorned with Cretan school frescoes. The views from the cliffside plateaus offer a surreal panorama of the Thessalian plain. The towns of Kalabaka and Kastraki at the foot of the cliffs serve as bases for visitors. Hiking through the valley between the pillars is a popular alternative to bus tours. Please note the strict dress code: shoulders must be covered, women should wear long skirts (often provided at the entrance), and men must wear long trousers. Meteora is not just a tourist destination but one of the most important spiritual centers of the Orthodox Church.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Pisina Edelweiss · Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron · Ypapantis Monastery
Nearby: Trikala (21 km)
Population: ~1.172 (2019)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	2	5	8	13	19	22	22	17	12	7	2
Rain mm	72	62	60	40	43	29	26	23	60	74	79	90

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The six active monasteries of Meteora are open to visitors, each with its own schedule. Parts of the monasteries are only accessible via stairs - dress code is mandatory.

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Typical hours

Monasteries typically open between 9:00 and 16:00, often with a lunch break (12:00-14:00). Each has a different closing day; check on-site.

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Photography

Photography is allowed outside the monasteries, but inside churches and chapels it is usually prohibited or only without flash. Drones are strictly banned.

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Time needed

For 2-3 monasteries, half a day is enough; for all six, plan a full day. Driving between monasteries takes about 10-15 minutes each.

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Combine with

Combine Meteora with the nearby town of Kalambaka, which has nice taverns. Agios Stefanos monastery and the rock formations are also great for hiking.

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Getting there

Meteora is reachable from Athens by train or bus (about 4 hours). Locally, buses run from Kalambaka to the monasteries, or you can rent a car.

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Insider tip

Select 2-3 monasteries that interest you most to avoid rushing. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants/skirts to ensure entry.

Geography

Population

1,172 (2019)

Coordinates

39.71250, 21.62667

Facts

UNESCO Heritage since 1988
6 active monasteries
Pillars up to 400m high
Hermits present since 11th C.
Major Orthodox spiritual hub
Great Meteoron Monastery
Adjacent to Kalabaka town
Strict dress code enforced

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Monastery of Rousanou1 km · NEExplore →

Kalambaka2 km · SExplore →

Trikala21 km · SEExplore →

Mecca22 km · NWExplore →

Jabal al-Nour22 km · NWExplore →

Pertouli24 km · SWExplore →

Elati25 km · SExplore →

Wadi Fatima26 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Meteora (13)

Pisina Edelweiss 🎡 recreation

A swimming pool in Meteora, offering relaxation with a view of the famous rock formations.

Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron 📍 landmark

Largest and oldest monastery of Meteora, perched on a rock pillar (UNESCO).

🌐 meteoromonastery.gr🕒 09:30-15:00; Tu off; Nov-Mar Th-Mo 09:30-14:00; Nov-Mar Tu-W

Ypapantis Monastery 📍 landmark

Ypapantis Monastery is a historic attraction built into the rock face in Meteora.

Adrachti (Spindle)🌿 nature

Adrachti (Spindle) is a distinctive rock pinnacle in Meteora.

Surloti 🌿 nature

Surloti is a natural rock formation in Meteora.

Agio pneuma ⛪ religious

Agio Pneuma is a cave monastery with a small church and a balcony overlooking the valley.

Church of Dormition (Byzantine Church)📍 landmark

Church of Dormition (Byzantine Church) is a Byzantine church with 14th-century frescoes in the Meteora complex.

Pyxari (box-tree)🌿 nature

Pyxari is one of the notable rocky peaks rising in the area of Meteora.

Natural History Museum of Meteora & Mushroom Museum 🏛 museum

This fascinating museum in Meteora explores natural history and the local mushroom ecosystem.

🌐 meteoramuseum.gr🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00; Sa-Su 10:00-18:00

Hellenic Culture Museum 🏛 museum

The Hellenic Culture Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to Greek heritage located in Meteora.

🌐 bookmuseum.gr🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-14:00; Sa 12:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00

Museum of Geological Formations of Meteora 🏛 museum

Museum of Geological Formations of Meteora, explaining the creation of the iconic rock pillars.

🕒 Su-Fr 09:00-15:00; Sa 09:00-16:00

Hagia Moni 🏺 historical

Hagia Moni, a ruined monastery on a rock pinnacle in Meteora.

St. Peter in Chains (Altsos)🏺 historical

St. Peter in Chains (Altsos), a historic chapel near Meteora.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many monasteries can be visited today?

There are six active monasteries that are open to the public.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered; women often need to wear long skirts.

How much is the entrance fee per monastery?

Entrance costs about 3 EUR per monastery (for non-Greek citizens).

Are there many steps to climb?

Yes, access is via steps carved into the rock; reasonable fitness is required.

Are the monasteries open every day?

Each monastery has a different closing day during the week.

Meteora: where is it located?

Meteora is located in Greece.

Meteora: what is there to see?

Highlights include Pisina Edelweiss, Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, Ypapantis Monastery.

Meteora: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Meteora: why is it worth visiting?

Meteora literally means "suspended in the air." The region comprises massive sandstone pillars reaching heights of up to 400 meters, shaped by erosion over millions of years.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →